Care home plans given the green light

PLANS seeking approval to demolish a large building complex in Leek have been put forward.

A planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to demolish the prominent two-storey former office block at Eaton House in Buxton Road.

A letter has now been sent to residents informing them of the application and proposed demolition work.

The letter from contracts manager Tony Bilbao of WRS Services Limited, said: “Although this demolition will not cause any interference to the public we would like to make you aware of the upcoming works.”

In May this year members of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s planning applications committee approved plans for a care home to be built on the site.

The 66-bed complex will replace the present Eaton House office building and is anticipated to bring more than 50 jobs to the facility.

Speaking at the planning meeting, planning officer Jane Curley, said: “It is in the development area of Leek and is a brownfield site. It is an employment site which is protected.

“The design is acceptable and the tree officer is happy. There will be no adverse impact.”

In her report to councillors Mrs Curley said: “The district is expected to see an increase in the over 60 age group and a sharp increase in the over 70 age groups by 2031. This will mean that there will continue to be an increasing demand for specialist housing for older people. The proposal may also release other houses into the available stock.

“The model of care proposed in the application is a different offer to recent developments in Leek at Portland Mill and Daisy Haye for example. In this respect the proposal will help to widen the choice of accommodation/support required for elderly persons.”

But concern was highlighted at the planning meeting about conflict of introducing a residential use on the site and that 20 parking spaces seems insufficient and will lead to parking on the surrounding streets.

However, all 10 councillors voted in favour of granting planning permission.